Mechanism for improving the sealing function for a slide out room of a recreational vehicle

ABSTRACT

A recreational vehicle is shown having an opening through one of the side walls to access the main room of the recreational vehicle. A slide out room is expandable through the opening, between a retracted and expanded position to increase the living space of the main room when in the expanded position. A ceiling member is positioned between the recreational vehicle and the slide out room to seal the main room when the slide out room is in the fully retracted position. A plurality of mechanisms are disclosed herein which changes the relative position of the ceiling member and a corresponding ceiling surface when the slide out room is in the retracted position.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial Nos. 60/240,235 filed Oct. 13, 2000 and 60/268,819,filed Feb. 14, 2001, the complete disclosure of which is herebyexpressly incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a latching mechanism for latching aslide out room of mobile living quarters (such as a recreationalvehicle) to the main living area when the slide out room is retractedinto the main living area.

[0004] 2. Review of the Prior Art

[0005] The width of mobile living quarters, such as recreationalvehicles, is limited to that which may be accommodated for travel on thepublic highways. Accordingly, it has become commonplace to provide forso-called slide out rooms which can be fully retracted into the vehiclefor travel, and extended to enlarge the living area inside the vehiclewhen parked. For example, a common slide out area is in the living roomarea where a sofa abuts the back wall of the slide out room. When theroom is to be enlarged, the slide out room together with the sofaprojects outwardly to provide an enlarged floor space. Othermanufacturers have other areas, such as a sleeping area, which can beenlarged by projecting an auxiliary slide out room.

[0006] Slide out rooms are normally supported and moved by drivingmechanisms including telescoping tubes which are mounted on the framesupporting the main living area and are operated by hydraulic rams orelectric motors. Sealing is provided to seal the slide out room in boththe retracted and extended positions, however, the slide out room isonly semi-rigid, and portions of the room farthest from the hydraulicrams or motors are not sufficiently rigid that engagement with the sealscan be assured. The driving mechanism can be adjusted so that theportion of the room closest to the mechanism (typically the bottom ofthe room) is drawn firmly against the seals when the room is retracted,but the portion of the room farthest from the rams (typically the top ofthe room) may deflect sufficiently that the seals are not engaged.

[0007] A variety of attempts have been made to rectify this situation.First, some manufacturers have created the slide out room in atrapezoidal shape, as viewed from the side, such that the leading edgeof the slide out room is the top edge of the back wall. Others haveattempted to “jack” the lower edge upwardly so as to cause a tilting ofthe room inwardly at the upper edge. Accordingly, it has becomecustomary to use so-called “travel locks” to latch and maintain theupper edge of a slide out room in a retracted position in firmengagement with the seals around the perimeter of the vehicle openingwhich receives the room. However, these travel locks must be engaged anddisengaged manually. Manual travel locks may be inconvenient to operatebecause they are generally positioned on the inside of the vehicle onthe ceiling. People also forget about the locks, and attempt to move theroom out to an extended position with the locks in place, causing damageto any of the locks, the room and the vehicle.

[0008] Most manufacturers provide slide out rooms with a back wallhaving a peripherally extending lip that projects outwardly in alldirections beyond the outer room dimensions such that when the room isin the fully retracted position, the lip is flush with the vehicle sidewall. At least one sealing bead is typically provided which extendsalong the periphery of the lip and becomes compressed between the lipand vehicle side wall when the room is fully retracted. Thus, anylatching mechanism which is devised should not violate the integrity ofthis seal during installation or operation.

[0009] The second sealing function is typically provided by a wiper sealwhich is located on the inwardly facing side and top edges of the roomopening defined by the vehicle side wall. The wiper seal flexes againstthe slide out room to remove water and debris from the room side wallsand ceiling to prevent such water and debris from entering the mainliving area. This wiper seal also should not be violated or damaged inany way.

[0010] Finally, since the upper edge of the slide out room lip tends totilt outwardly relative to the lower edge when the room is beingretracted, a desirable latching mechanism should take into account thatduring the last several inches of inward travel, the lower edge may leadthe upper edge. Thus, to ensure that the lower edge and upper edgefirmly seal against the vehicle side wall, the upper edge must continueto travel inwardly after the lower edge has engaged the vehicle sidewall. This factor is especially significant if an automatic system isdevised which automatically latches the room into place in response onlyto the room movement, and draws the room firmly into engagement with theassociated peripheral sealing.

[0011] The present invention provides a latching mechanism for a slideout room that latches the slide out room to the vehicle side wall sothat the sealing around the periphery of the room is engaged with thevehicle side wall, thereby preventing entry of moisture or otherenvironmental elements into the vehicle. The latching mechanism isresponsive to relative movement between the slide out room and thevehicle side wall to engage the latch as the slide out room reaches thefully retracted position. The latching mechanism may also disengage thelatch as the slide out room begins to move away from the fully retractedposition. In this way, the slide out room may be automatically latchedto the main living area when the slide out room is retracted for traveland automatically unlatched as the room is extended for use.

[0012] These and other advantages of the present invention will becomemore apparent and the invention better understood by reference to thefollowing description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recreational vehicle having aslide out room shown in an extended position;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a partially fragmented, cross-sectional, sideelevational view of a recreational vehicle with a slide out room in aretracted position;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of a latchingmechanism according to the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a partially fragmented, exploded perspective view of thelatching mechanism of FIG. 4;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of anotherlatching mechanism according to the present invention;

[0019]FIGS. 7A and 7B are top views of the latching mechanism of FIG. 6;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of anotherlatching mechanism according to the present invention;

[0021]FIGS. 9A and 9B are top views of the latching mechanism of FIG. 8;

[0022]FIG. 10 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of anotherlatching mechanism according to the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 11 is a partially fragmented, exploded perspective view ofthe latching mechanism of FIG. 10;

[0024]FIG. 12 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of anotherlatching mechanism according to the present invention;

[0025]FIGS. 13A and 13B are top views of the latching mechanism of FIG.12;

[0026]FIG. 14 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of anotherlatching mechanism according to the present invention;

[0027]FIGS. 15A and 15B are top views of the latching mechanism of FIG.14;

[0028]FIGS. 16A and 16B are top views of another latching mechanismaccording to the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 17 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of anotherlatching mechanism according to the present invention;

[0030]FIGS. 18A and 18B are top views of the latching mechanism of FIG.17;

[0031]FIG. 19 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of anotherlatching mechanism according to the present invention;

[0032]FIGS. 20 and 21 are partially fragmented, perspective views ofanother latching mechanism according to the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another latching mechanismaccording to the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 23 is a partially fragmented, perspective view of thelatching mechanism of FIG. 22;

[0035]FIG. 24 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 22;

[0036]FIGS. 25 and 26 are perspective views of a manual lock accordingto the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an actuator according to thepresent invention;

[0038]FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional, side elevational view of theactuator of FIG. 27;

[0039]FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another actuator according to thepresent invention;

[0040]FIGS. 30 and 31 are perspective views of additional embodiments ofan actuator according to the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 32 is a fragmented, perspective view of another latchingmechanism according to the present invention;

[0042]FIGS. 33 and 34 are perspective views of the latching mechanism ofFIG. 32, shown attached to a vehicle;

[0043]FIGS. 35 and 36 are side elevational views of the latchingmechanism of FIG. 32 mounted to a vehicle;

[0044]FIGS. 37 and 38 are side elevational views of another latchingmechanism according to the present invention;

[0045]FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line39-39 of FIG. 37;

[0046]FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line40-40 of FIG. 38;

[0047]FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another latching mechanismaccording to the present invention;

[0048]FIG. 42 is a side, elevational view of the latching mechanism ofFIG. 41;

[0049]FIG. 43 is a perspective view of another latching mechanismaccording to the present invention;

[0050]FIG. 44 is a side, elevational view of the latching mechanism ofFIG. 43;

[0051]FIG. 45 is a perspective view of another latching mechanismaccording to the present invention;

[0052]FIG. 46 is a side, elevational view of the latching mechanism ofFIG. 45;

[0053]FIGS. 47 and 48 are side, elevational views of another latchingmechanism according to the present invention;

[0054]FIG. 49 is a perspective view of another latching mechanismaccording to the present invention;

[0055]FIG. 50 is a perspective, cross-sectional view taken substantiallyalong line 50-50 of FIG. 49;

[0056]FIGS. 51A and 51B are top views of the latching mechanism of FIGS.49 and 50;

[0057]FIGS. 52 and 53 are top views of another latching mechanismaccording to the present invention;

[0058]FIGS. 54 and 55 are partially fragmented, top plan views ofanother embodiment of the present invention;

[0059]FIG. 56 is a perspective view of another latching mechanismaccording to the present invention;

[0060]FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a portion of the latchingmechanism shown in FIG. 56;

[0061]FIG. 58 is a side, elevational view of the latching mechanism ofFIG. 56;

[0062]FIGS. 59 and 60 are top views of the latching mechanism of FIG.56;

[0063]FIG. 61 is a perspective view of another latching mechanismaccording to the present invention;

[0064]FIG. 62 is a side, elevational view of the latching mechanism ofFIG. 61; and

[0065]FIG. 63 is a perspective view of another latching mechanismaccording to the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0066] The embodiments of the invention described herein are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description have beenchosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

[0067] Referring now to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, themobile living quarters or vehicle is generally indicated by the numeral10. Vehicle 10 is defined by side walls 12 and 14, end walls 16 and 18,an upper wall 19, and a floor 20. As shown in FIG. 2, vehicle 10 issupported on longitudinally extending, transversely spaced frame members22, 24. Side wall 12 defines an opening 30 for receiving a slide outroom generally indicated by the numeral 32 which may be moved away fromvehicle 10 to an extended position to provide auxiliary living spacewhen vehicle 10 is parked for use, and moved into vehicle 10 throughopening 30 to a retracted position when vehicle 10 is to be moved.

[0068] Slide out room 32 includes a back wall 34, a ceiling 40, a floor35 and opposite side walls 36, 38. Room 32 is supported for movementbetween the extended and retracted positions by a drive mechanism ofconventional design including telescoping support tubes generallyindicated by the numerals 44, 46. Back wall 34 includes a lip portion orfascia 47 that projects beyond ceiling 40, floor 35 and side walls 36,38.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 3, conventional seal 50 extends around theperimeter of fascia 47 and is compressed between fascia 47 and vehicleside wall 12 around the perimeter of opening 30 formed by vehicle sidewall 12. A wiper seal 51 is mounted within the gap 31 formed betweenopening 30 and room ceiling 40 and room side walls 36, 38. Wiper seal 51engages room 32 in a conventional manner to remove water and debris fromthe room as the room is retracted into vehicle 10.

[0070] Since support tubes 44, 46 and the hydraulic rams (not shown)which support and operate slide out room 32 are attached to the lowerportion of back wall 34, complete retraction of the lower portion ofslide out room 32 can be assured. However, since slide out room 32cannot be made totally rigid and inherently deflects, portions of theroom that are spaced away from the drive mechanism may not fullycompress seal 50, thereby permitting rain, snow, and other environmentalelements to enter the living areas of vehicle 10.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a latching mechanism100 according to the present invention generally includes a housing 110,a latch 112, an actuator 114, a link 116, a bracket 118, and a tab 120.Housing 110 includes side 122, side 124, side 126 and side 128 togetherdefining an interior space 130. Side 128 extends beyond side 122 to forma flange 132 which includes a plurality of openings 134 for receivingfasteners 136 (one shown) which secure housing 110 to vehicle side wall12. Side 128 also defines an opening 129 corresponding to the positionof latch 112 and an opening 131 corresponding to the position ofactuator 114. As shown, housing 110 is substantially disposed within gap31 defined by opening 30 and room side wall 38. Latch 112, actuator 114,and link 116 are disposed substantially within housing 110 and will befurther described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0072] Bracket 118 includes a first portion 138 and a second portion140. First portion 138 is substantially perpendicular to second portion140 and includes openings 142 for receiving fasteners (not shown) whichsecure bracket 118 to room side wall 38. Tab 120 includes a firstportion 144 which is welded or otherwise secured to second portion 140of bracket 118, and a second portion 146 which extends at an angle awayfrom second portion 140 of bracket 118. As shown, second portion 140 ofbracket 118 is situated flat against fascia 47 of slide out room 32.

[0073] Referring now to FIG. 5, latching mechanism 100 is shown withouthousing 110. Latch 112 includes a forward surface 148, a rearwardsurface 150, and side surfaces 152, 154. Forward surface 148 and sidesurfaces 152, 154 together define an opening 156 for receiving tab 120.As shown, opening 156 extends rearwardly toward rearward surface 150 andincludes a lower angled surface 158, a vertical stop surface 160, and anupper, camming surface 162. Lower surface 158 and upper camming surface162 define angles relative to forward surface 148 which substantiallycorrespond to the angle between second portion 146 of tab 120 and secondportion 140 of bracket 118. The outside dimensions of latch 112substantially correspond to the inside dimensions of housing 110 suchthat latch 112 is guided by and slidable within housing 110 as will befurther described below.

[0074] Latching mechanism 100 further includes a return spring 164 whichis connected between an upper surface 166 of latch 112 and a cross postor bracket (not shown) mounted within housing 110. Link 116, which maybe a cable, a rod, or other suitable linkage, is connected at one end toa lower surface 168 of latch 112 and at the other end to actuator 114.

[0075] Actuator 114 includes a pad 170, upper arms 172, 174, lower arms176, 178, a pivot tube 180, an axle 182, and a pair of rollers 184, 186.Pad 170 is mounted to arms 172, 174, 176, 178 such that pad 170 canpivot or rock about a central portion of pad 170. Pad 170 includes acurved engagement surface 188 for engaging fascia 47 of room 32 asfurther described below. Pad 170 may alternatively include a flatengagement surface 196 as shown in FIG. 4. Upper arms 172, 174 areconnected to lower arms 176, 178 by a rod 190 which permits scissoringor pivoting action of the upper and lower arms relative to one another.Upper arms 172, 174 are fixedly connected to pivot tube 180. Lower arms176, 178 are fixedly connected to axle 182. Pivot tube 180 defines acentral opening 192. A pivot rod 194 extends through opening 192 betweensides 122, 126 of housing 110 such that pivot tube pivots about rod 194,but remains in a fixed position relative to housing 110 as shown in FIG.4. Rollers 184, 186 may be connected to axle 182 such that rollers 184,186 rotate relative to axle 182 as they roll against the inner surfacesof sides 124, 128 of housing 110 during operation. Alternatively,rollers 184, 186 may be fixed relative to axle 182 and slide along theinner surfaces of housing 110 during operation. Link 116 is connected toaxle 182 to permit cooperative operation of latch 112 and actuator 114as further described below.

[0076] Referring again to FIG. 4, as slide out room 32 is moved into theretracted position, fascia 47 engages pad 170 of actuator 114. As fascia47 engages pad 170, upper arms 172, 174 and lower arms 176, 178 scissorrelative to one another about rod 190. Since pivot tube 180 is fixed inposition relative to housing 110 by pivot rod 194, this scissoringaction causes axle 182 and rollers 184, 186 to move downwardly relativeto housing 110. As axle 182 moves downwardly, rollers 184, 186 rollalong the inner surface of side 124 of housing 110. Axle 182 pulls link116 downwardly, thereby causing downward movement of latch 112. Whenthis downward movement begins, fascia 47 of room 32 is close enough tohousing 110 to permit second portion 146 of tab 120 to extend throughopening 129 of housing side 128 into opening 156 of latch 112. As room32 is further moved into the retracted position, the downward pulling oflink 116 causes camming surface 162 of latch 112 to slide against secondportion 146 of tab 120, thereby drawing room 32 against side wall 12 ofvehicle 10 to firmly compress seal 50 between fascia 47 and side wall 12along the upper portions of room 32. As room 32 is moved from theretracted position toward the extended position, return spring 164 pullslatch 112 upwardly, thereby releasing tab 120 to permit outward movementof room 32. The upward movement of latch 112 returns actuator 114 to itsoutwardly extended position through housing opening 131 as shown in FIG.4 by pulling axle 182 upwardly via link 116.

[0077]FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of the latching mechanismaccording to the present invention. As will be the case with allembodiments described herein, the reference designations of componentsalso present in the same or similar form in previously describedembodiments will be retained, but increased by a multiple of 100. InFIG. 6, latching mechanism 200 is shown including a low profile housing210 mounted to fascia 47 of room 32 and a bracket 218 and tab 220mounted to a standard edge channel 201 within gap 31. As shown, latch212 includes a body 203 which slides within housing 210 and a protrusion205 which extends through opening 229 formed by side 228 of housing 210.Protrusion 205 includes a forward surface 248, side surfaces 252, 254, acamming surface 262, and an upper surface 263. A return spring 264extends between upper surface 263 and a post 265 mounted to housing 210.As was the case with the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, camming surface262 is angled to correspond with the angle of second portion 246 of tab220.

[0078] As room 32 is moved into the retracted position, pad 270 ofactuator 214 engages vehicle side wall 12, thereby causing downwardmovement of latch 212. As latch 212 moves downwardly, camming surface262 cams against second portion 246 of tab 220, thereby drawing fascia47 against the perimeter of opening 30 formed by vehicle side wall 12 tocompress seal 50. When room 32 is extended, return spring 264 pullslatch 212 upwardly, disengaging latch 212 from tab 220 as was describedabove. FIG. 7A shows room 32 approaching the retracted position. FIG. 7Bshows room 32 in the retracted position, wherein latch 212 isinterlocked with tab 220.

[0079]FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B show an alternate embodiment of the latchingmechanism according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8,latching mechanism 300 also includes a low profile housing 310 mountedto fascia 47. Protrusion 305 of latch 312 is narrow relative toprotrusion 205 of FIG. 6 and extends from body 303 through slot 329formed in side 328 of housing 310. Protrusion 305 of latch 312 includescamming surface 362 and locking surface 307.

[0080] Link 316 includes cable segment 309 which is connected at one endto latch 312, cable segment 311 which is connected at one end to axle382 of actuator 314, and compensator 313. Compensator 313 includes end315A which is connected to cable segment 309, end 315B which isconnected to cable segment 311, and intermediate spring 317 which coilsbetween ends 315A, 315B.

[0081] Bracket 318 is mounted to edge channel 201 adjacent wiper 51.Bracket 318 includes side 319 which is connected to edge channel 201with fasteners (not shown), side 321, side 323, and side 325. Togethersides 319, 321, 323, 325 of bracket 318 form an interior space 327 forreceiving protrusion 305 of latch 312 as described below.

[0082] As room 32 is moved to the retracted position, pad 370 ofactuator 314 engages side wall 12 of vehicle 10 and causes downwardmovement of latch 312 as described above. As latch 312 moves downwardly,camming surface 362 extends into interior space 327 of bracket 318.Camming surface 362 engages the interior surface of side 325 of bracket318, thereby drawing fascia 47 against the perimeter of opening 30formed by vehicle side wall 12 to compress seal 50. As latch 312 movesfurther downwardly, locking surface 307 of protrusion 305 slides againstthe interior surface of side 325 of bracket 318, thereby locking room 32in the retracted position. Locking surface 307 is sufficiently long inthe vertical direction to prevent engagement of bracket wall 325 withthe upper portion of latch protrusion 305. This arrangement prevents theoverstressing of link 316 which may occur if actuator 314 continued topull latch 312 downwardly after the upper portion of protrusion 305engaged wall 325. Compensator 313 is an alternate method of providingstress relief to link 316.

[0083] As room 32 is extended, return spring 364 withdraws protrusion305 of latch 312 from interior space 327 of bracket 318. Additionally,actuator 314 is returned by link 316 and the upward movement of latch312 to its outwardly extended position shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9A showslatching mechanism 300 of FIG. 8 when room 32 is approaching theretracted position. FIG. 9B shows room 32 in the retracted position andprotrusion 305 of latch 312 interlocked with bracket 318.

[0084] As should be apparent from the foregoing, housings 210 and 310may readily be modified for mounting to vehicle side wall 12 in a mannersimilar to the mounting of housing 110 shown in FIG. 4. As should beapparent to one skilled in the art, bracket 218 and channel 318 couldalso readily be mounted to fascia 47 of room 32 in the manner thatbracket 118 of FIG. 4 is mounted to fascia 47.

[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, an alternate embodimentlatching mechanism 400 is shown. Latching mechanism 400 is similar tolatching mechanism 100 of FIGS. 4 and 5. Latch 412 includes forwardsurface 448, side surfaces 452, 454, and rearward surface 450. Forwardsurface 448 and side surfaces 452, 454 define opening 456 which includeslower surface 458, stop surface 460, and lock surface 462. As shown,lock surface 462 is substantially parallel to stop surface 460.

[0086] Tab 420 includes first portion 444, second portion 446A and thirdportion 446B. When tab 420 is attached to bracket 418 as shown in FIG.10, third portion 446B is substantially parallel to second portion 440of bracket 418.

[0087] In operation, as fascia 47 engages pad 470, actuator 414 drawslatch 412 downwardly via link 416. The outward extension of pad 470 fromhousing 410 and the outward extension of third portion 446B of tab 420from second portion 440 of bracket 418 are designed such that thirdportion 446B of tab 420 enters opening 456 of latch 412 and approachescontact with stop surface 460 before latch 412 moves substantiallydownwardly. Accordingly, third portion 446B clears lock surface 462 oflatch 412. Therefore, when latch 412 moves downwardly, lock surface 462engages and retains third portion 446B of tab 420, thereby locking room32 in the retracted position. As room 32 is moved from the retractedposition, return spring 464 pulls latch 412 upwardly such that thirdportion 446B of tab 420 clears lock surface 429 of latch 412 beforesubstantial outward movement of room 32 begins.

[0088] Again, it should be understood that the mounting locations ofhousing 410 and bracket 418 may be reversed from those shown in FIGS. 10and 11. Specifically, housing 410, latch 412, actuator 414, and link416, may be mounted to fascia 47 of room 32, and bracket 418 may bemounted to an edge channel 201 in gap 31 between vehicle side wall 12and room side wall 38.

[0089]FIGS. 12, 13A and 13B show an alternate embodiment of the latchingmechanism according to the present invention. Housing 510 of latchingmechanism 500 includes side 524 which is attached to side wall 12 ofvehicle 10, sides 522, 526, and side 528 which faces fascia 47 of room32. Side 528 defines opening 531 similar to that described withreference to FIG. 4. Side 526 of housing 510 defines a slot 533 facinggap 31.

[0090] Latch 512 includes a body 503 and a protrusion 505 which isconnected to a portion of body 503 that extends through slot 533.Accordingly, protrusion 505 is situated within gap 31 between vehicleside wall 12 and room side wall 38. Protrusion 505 includes a forwardsurface 548, a rearward surface 550, and side surfaces 552, 554.Protrusion 505 further includes camming surface 562 which extendsbetween forward surface 548 and rearward surface 550.

[0091] In operation, fascia 47 engages pad 570 of actuator 514 causingdownward movement of latch 512 via link 516. As latch 512 movesdownwardly, protrusion 505 enters interior space 527 of bracket 518.Camming surface 562 engages the inner surface of side 525 of bracket518. As latch 512 is drawn further downwardly, camming surface 562 drawsfascia 47 into engagement with the perimeter of opening 30 defined byvehicle side wall 12 to compress seal 50. As described with reference tothe previous embodiments, as room 32 is moved from the retractedposition, return spring 564 pulls latch 512 upwardly, withdrawingprotrusion 505 from interior space 527 of bracket 518.

[0092] As should be apparent from the foregoing, the positions ofhousing 510 and bracket 518 may be reversed such that housing 510 ismounted to room 32 and bracket 518 is mounted to vehicle side wall 12.

[0093]FIGS. 14, 15A, and 15B show an alternate embodiment of a latchingmechanism according to the present invention. Latching mechanism 600includes a latch 612, a link 616, and an actuator of any of the typedescribed above (not shown). These components are mounted withinstandard edge channel 201 which has been modified to define opening 635,opening 637, and an opening (not shown) through which an actuatorextends. Latch 612 is a substantially flat plate that defines twoupwardly extending slots 639, 641, an upper opening 643, and a loweropening 645. Slot 639 includes camming surface 647. Similarly, slot 641includes camming surface 649. A return spring 664 is connected at oneend to latch 612 at opening 643. The other end of spring 664 extendsthrough an opening 651 defined by plate 653 which is mounted within edgechannel 201. Link 616 is connected to latch 612 at opening 645.

[0094] Latching mechanism 600 further includes a pair of spaced apartbolts 655, 657 which are substantially identical. Accordingly, only bolt655 will be described. Bolt 655 includes a threaded portion 659 which isscrewed into side wall 38 of room 32, a shoulder 661 which engages sidewall 38 when threaded portion 659 is fully inserted, and a pin 663.

[0095] As shown in the figures, as room 32 approaches the retractedposition, pins 663 of bolts 655, 657 pass through their respectiveopenings 635, 637 of edge channel 201 into their respective slots 639,641 of latch 612. When the actuator engages fascia 47 and draws latch612 downwardly via link 616, camming surfaces 647, 649 ride along pins663 of bolts 655, 657, respectively, to draw fascia 47 into engagementwith the perimeter of opening 30 defined by vehicle side wall 12,thereby compressing seal 50 as shown in FIG. 15B. When room 32 is movedfrom its retracted position, return spring 664 pulls latch 612 upwardly,thereby releasing bolts 655, 657. As should also be apparent from thedrawings, a single rod 655 and a single notch 639 may be used toaccomplish the function of the present invention. Additionally, a numberof rods greater than two may be used in accordance with the teachingsherein. 100094] FIGS. 16A and 16B show a modified version of latchingmechanism 600. Latching mechanism 700 includes a latch 712 which issubstantially identical to latch 612, a link (not shown), and anactuator (not shown). These components are mounted within a modifiededge channel 767 as will be described below. Instead of bolts 655, 657,latching mechanism 700 includes a bracket 718 having a first portion 738connected to room side wall 38, a second portion 740 mounted adjacentfascia 47, and a right angle pin 765 extending between first portion 738and second portion 740. As should be apparent from the foregoing, pin765 passes through an opening 735 in edge channel 767 to be engaged andretained by latch 712 as described above.

[0096] Edge channel 767 includes a first portion 769 which is mounted tovehicle side wall 12 in a standard fashion. A second portion 771 extendsfrom first portion 769 at a right angle and includes extension 773 formounting wiper seal 51. Edge channel 767 further includes a thirdportion 775 having a pair of parallel walls 777 for receiving secondportion 771. Third portion 775 further defines a plurality of openings779 (one shown) through which standard fasteners 781 (one shown) extendto mount third portion 775 to vehicle side wall 12. Accordingly, thirdportion 775 may be removed to service or adjust latch 712, the link (notshown), or the actuator (not shown).

[0097]FIGS. 17, 18A, and 18B show another embodiment of a latchingmechanism according to the present invention. Latching mechanism 800includes latch 812, link 816, and actuator 814, all mounted withinmodified edge channel 801. Latch 812 includes a body 883 pivotallymounted on pin 885 which is connected to edge channel 801, and a finger887. Body 883 includes a curved surface 889 and an opening 891. Link 816wraps around curved surface 889 and extends into opening 891 where it isretained by a conventional retainer (not shown). Body 883 furtherincludes a second opening 893 for receiving one end of return spring864. The other end of return spring 864 is connected to a post 895connected to edge channel 801. Finger 887 of latch 812 includes acamming surface 897. In operation, finger 887 extends through an opening899 formed in edge channel 801 as will be further described below.

[0098] Actuator 814 includes a first portion 802 which extends through aslot 831 formed in edge channel 801 and carries pad 870. Pad 870includes engagement surface 896. Actuator 814 further includes a barrel804 mounted for rotation on a pin 806 connected to edge channel 801, anda second portion 808 disposed within edge channel 801 and connected tobarrel 804. Second portion 808 includes an opening 810 which receivesand retains link 816. As should be apparent from the foregoing, actuator814 may be modified to be used with any of the latching mechanismsdescribed above.

[0099] Bracket 818 includes a plate 820 with openings 822 for receivingstandard fasteners (not shown) to attach bracket 818 to room side wall38. A cavity 824 is formed within room side wall 38 and opens through aslot 826 formed in plate 820. Alternatively, a cavity 824 may be formedin side wall 38 to receive a box (not shown) formed integral with plate820 at slot 826. As shown, bracket 818 is disposed adjacent fascia 47 ofroom 32.

[0100] As best shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, as room 32 is moved toward theretracted position, actuator 814 engages fascia 47 of room 32.Specifically, engagement surface 896 of pad 870 engages fascia 47,pivoting actuator 814 about barrel 804 such that first portion 802 movesinto opening 831. Accordingly, second portion 808 of actuator 814 pivotsdownwardly pulling link 816. Link 816 causes latch 812 to pivot aboutpin 885 such that finger 887 moves through opening 899 of edge channel801. Cavity 824 simultaneously becomes aligned with finger 887. As shownin FIG. 18B, when room 32 moves into the fully retracted position,finger 887 passes through opening 826 of bracket 818 into cavity 824.Camming surface 897 of finger 887 operates against edge 826A of opening826, thereby drawing fascia 47 into engagement with the perimeter ofside wall opening 30, compressing seal 50. When room 32 is moved fromthe retracted position, return spring 864 causes latch 812 to pivot in aclockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 17) out of cavity 824 and backinto edge channel 801, thereby releasing room 32. As a result, actuator814 moves into the position shown into FIG. 17.

[0101]FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of a latching mechanism accordingto the present invention. Latching mechanism 900 includes a latch 912,an actuator (not shown), a link 916, and a bracket 918. It should beunderstood that the actuator used with latching mechanism 900 may be anyof the actuators previously described. Additionally, the actuator may bemounted within housing 910 which is shown mounted adjacent fascia 47.

[0102] Latch 912 includes a body 993 which defines an opening 991 forreceiving link 916. Link 916 is attached to body 993 at end cap 902.Latch 912 also includes a barrel 904 mounted for pivotal movement aboutpin 995 which is carried by bracket 906. Bracket 906 is mounted in astandard fashion to an upper corner of room 32 formed by side wall 38and ceiling 40. Latch 912 further includes a finger 987 which extendsfrom barrel 904 at a fixed angular relationship to body 993. As was thecase with finger 887 of FIGS. 17, 18A, and 18B, finger 987 includes acamming surface 997 for engaging bracket 918 as is further describedbelow. As shown, link 916 extends from body 993 into housing 910 throughopening 908 to the actuator below.

[0103] Bracket 918 is substantially identical to bracket 818 shown inFIG. 17. Bracket 918 is mounted to the upper edge 30A of opening 30 suchthat cavity 924 extends into side wall 12 above opening 30. Bracket 918is mounted to align with finger 987 when room 32 is moved to theretracted position.

[0104] As should be apparent from the foregoing, as room 32 is movedtoward the retracted position, the actuator engages side wall 12 ofvehicle 10 and draws link 916 downwardly. As link 916 is moveddownwardly, latch 912 pivots about pin 995 and finger 987 moves upwardlyinto cavity 924. Camming surface 997 engages the front edge of opening926 and cavity 924. As finger 987 is further pivoted about pin 995,camming surface 997 draws fascia 47 into sealing engagement with theperimeter of opening 30 formed by vehicle side wall 12, compressing seal50. A return spring (not shown) may extend between bracket 906 andfinger 987 to return latch 912 to the position shown in FIG. 19 whenroom 32 is moved out of the retracted position. The return spring mayalternatively be coiled about pin 995 and connected to finger 987 so asto bias finger 987 in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG.19.

[0105] Referring now to FIGS. 20, 21, latching mechanism 1000 includes alatch 1012, a link 1016, and an actuator (not shown) of any of the typedescribed above. Latching mechanism 1000 further includes a bracket orrain dam 1018 which may extend along substantially the entire length ofroom ceiling 40. Bracket or rain dam 1018 includes a first portion 1046mounted to ceiling 40 and a second portion 1048 extending upwardly,substantially perpendicular to first portion 1046.

[0106] As shown, latch 1012 is mounted within a modified edge channel1001. Edge channel 1001 includes forward wall 1004, rearward wall 1006,and inner walls 1008, 1010. A slot 1020 is formed in inner walls 1008,1010 to accommodate downward movement of latch 1012 as further describedbelow. Latch 1012 is formed into the shape of an elongated bar andincludes a forward surface 1022, a rearward surface 1024, an uppersurface 1026, a lower surface 1028, and ends 1030, 1032. A bore 1034extends between lower surface 1028 and upper surface 1026 adjacent end1032. Link 1016 extends into and is retained within bore 1034 by end cap1036. Another bore 1038 extends between forward surface 1022 andrearward surface 1024 to receive a pivot pin 1040 having one endconnected to forward wall 1004 and another end connected to rearwardwall 1006. Rearward surface 1024 defines a cavity 1042 for receiving oneend of a spring 1044 which may coil about pin 1040 and connect torearward wall 1006 to bias latch 1012 upwardly or towardcounter-clockwise rotation about pin 1040 as viewed in the figures.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 21, when room 32 is moved to the retractedposition, the actuator of latching mechanism 1000 pulls link 1016downwardly. Link 1016 pulls end 1032 of latch 1012 downwardly intoopening 1020 against the upward biasing force of spring 1044. Theactuator is designed to ensure that when latch 102 moves downwardly,room 32 is sufficiently retracted such that portion 1048 of rain dam1018 avoids interference with rearward surface 1024 of latch 1012. Whenin the position shown in FIG. 21, latch 1012 prevents room 32 frommoving from the retracted position through the interference locking ofrain dam 1018 and latch 1012. It should be understood that rearwardsurface 1024 may include an angled camming surface to draw the fascia 47of room 32 into firm engagement with the perimeter of opening 30 ofvehicle side wall 12 to compress seal 50. Spring 1044 biases latch 1012upwardly to release rain dam 1018 and room 32 when room 32 is moved outof the retracted position.

[0108] FIGS. 22-24 show latching mechanism 2900 according to the presentinvention. Latching mechanism 2900 generally includes a housing 2902which is built into room 32 as part of the framework of the room.Housing 2902 is shown in FIG. 22 as constituting part of the frameworkof side wall 38 of room 32. It should be understood that an identicallatching mechanism 2900 may constitute part of the framework of roomside wall 36. Housing 2902 generally includes a body portion 2904, alatch box 2906, and an actuator box 2908. Each of these three componentsshare side walls 2910, 2912. Body portion 2904 further includes an innerwall 2914 and an outer wall 2916. Latch box 2906 includes an upper wall2918, a lower wall 2920, and an end wall 2922. A protrusion 2924 extendsfrom end wall 2922 to mate with an adjacent frame member. Actuator box2908 similarly includes an upper wall 2926, a lower wall 2928, and anend wall 2930. A protrusion 2932 extends from end wall 2930 to mate withan adjacent frame member. Side wall 2910 defines an opening 2934 atlatch box 2906 and an opening 2936 at actuator box 2908. A latch 2938 ismounted within latch box 2906, and an actuator 2940 is mounted withinactuator box 2908.

[0109] Referring now to FIG. 23, latching mechanism 2900 furtherincludes a link 2942, a first pulley 2944, a second pulley 2946, and athird pulley 2948. Latch 2938 includes an engagement plate 2950 which isconnected to a barrel 2952. Barrel 2952 is mounted for rotation about apin 2954 which extends through an opening 2956 formed in barrel 2952 andis connected between latch box upper wall 2918 and lower wall 2920.Engagement plate 2950 defines a slot 2958 through which extends link2942 as will be further described below.

[0110] Actuator 2940 includes a body 2960 from which extends anengagement pad 2962 and a tab 2964. Body 2960 slides within a pair ofopposing channels 2966, 2968 as will be further described below. Channel2966 is mounted to actuator box upper wall 2926 and channel 2968 ismounted to actuator box lower wall 2928.

[0111] Link 2942 has a first end 2970A which extends through slot 2958and is connected to barrel 2952. Link 2942 extends around pulley 2944which is mounted for rotation on a rod 2972 that extends between housingside walls 2910, 2912. Link 2942 also extends around pulley 2946 whichis mounted for rotation about a rod 2974 connected between housing sidewalls 2910, 2912, and pulley 2948 which is mounted for rotation aboutrod 2976 connected between housing side walls 2910, 2912. A second end2970B of link 2942 is connected to tab 2964 through tab opening 2978.Link 2942 also includes a stress relief assembly or compensator 2980 asis commonly known in the art.

[0112] As indicated in the drawings, as room 32 is moved from theextended position (FIG. 22) toward the retracted position (FIG. 24),engagement pad 2962 of actuator 2940 engages the exterior surface ofvehicle side wall 12. When engagement pad 2962 engages side wall 12,plate 2950 of latch 2938 is partially within vehicle 10. As room 32 ismoved farther toward the retracted position, actuator body 2960 slideswithin channels 2966, 2968 to the right as shown in FIG. 23.Accordingly, tab 2964 pulls link 2942 about pulleys 2948, 2946, and2944. End 2970A of link 2942 pulls barrel 2952 through counter-clockwiserotation about pin 2954. Latch plate 2950 is therefore rotated outwardlythrough opening 2934 of latch box 2906 to engage the interior surface ofvehicle side wall 12. Consequently, fascia 47 of room 32 is drawntightly against vehicle side wall 12, thereby compressing seal 50 whenroom 32 is in the retracted position as shown in FIG. 24. When room 32is moved from the retracted position, a return spring 2982 which isconnected between barrel 2952 and housing side wall 2912 causescounterclockwise rotation of barrel 2952. This rotation draws link 2942around barrel 2952 and about pulleys 2944, 2946, 2948, thereby movingactuator body 2960 and engagement pad 2962 back to the position shown inFIG. 23.

[0113]FIGS. 25 and 26 show a manual lock 1100 which may be adapted foruse with any of the latching mechanisms shown in FIGS. 1-21 (except FIG.19). Lock 1100 is shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 as used with a latchingmechanism similar to latching mechanism 600 of FIG. 14. Lock 1100includes an extension 1102 which carries an axle 1108 and a pair ofwheels 1104, 1106 which rotate on axle 1108. Extension 1102 extendsthrough an opening 1110 formed in modified edge channel 1101. Lock 1100further includes a body portion 1114 from which extension 1102 extends,a protrusion 1120 with a central opening 1122, a right angle portion1124, and a handle 1126. Lock 1100 further includes a mounting plate1128 which is mounted to vehicle side wall 12 in a standard fashion andextends from and is integral with a pivot pin 1130 which is situatedwithin central opening 1122 of protrusion 1120. Accordingly, protrusion1120 includes an opening (not shown) through which plate 1128 extends. Aspring 1132 is captured between handle 1126 and plate 1128 to biashandle 1126 away from plate 1128.

[0114] In the position shown in FIG. 25, rollers 1104, 1106 are biasedby spring 1132 into engagement with latch 612. Specifically, spring 1132urges handle 1126 away from plate 1128 such that body 1114 pivots aboutpivot pin 1130 and extension 1102 is urged inwardly through opening 1110and rollers 1104, 1106 are biased against latch 612. When room 32 ismoved to the retracted position, latch 612 is pulled downwardly asdescribed above. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 26, when latch 612 movessufficiently downwardly, extension 1102 and rollers 1104, 1106 pivotfarther inwardly about pivot pin 1130 over the top of latch 612. Spring1132 biases lock 1100 to remain in this position. As should be apparentfrom the drawing, latch 612 is retained in the engaged position by lock1100. Room 32 may be moved from the retracted position only after anoperator pushes handle 1126 against the biasing force of spring 1132 topivot lock 1100 about pivot pin 1130 such that extension 1102 ispartially withdrawn through opening 1110. After extension 1102 issufficiently withdrawn through opening 1110, latch 612 is free to moveupwardly as described above.

[0115] Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, an alternative actuator 1200 isshown connected to a latch 712 which cooperates with a bracket 718 todraw room 32 into the retracted position as described with reference toFIGS. 16A, 16B. It should be understood that actuator 1200 may readilybe adapted for use with any of the latching mechanisms previouslydescribed. Actuator 1200 generally includes a first cylinder 1202 havinga plunger 1204, a second cylinder 1206 connected to first cylinder 1202by a hose and a drive rod 1210 received within second cylinder 1206. Rod1210 is connected to latch 712, in this example, by eyelet 1212 whichextends through lower opening 745 of latch 712.

[0116] As best shown in FIG. 28, plunger 1204 includes a head 1214connected to a rod 1216 which extends into cylinder 1202 through anopening 1218 formed through one end of cylinder 1202. Rod 1216 isconnected to a piston 1220 disposed within cylinder 1202. The distancethat plunger 1204 extends from cylinder 1202 may readily be madeadjustable by, for example, using a threaded rod 1216 and a threadedhead 1214. Cylinder 1202 further includes a spring 1217 to bias plunger1204 outwardly and an opening 1222 which is in flow communication withhose 1208. Similarly, cylinder 1206 includes an opening 1224 which isformed through cylinder 1206 and in flow communication with hose 1208.Cylinder 1206 further includes an opening 1225 through which rod 1210extends. Rod 1210 is connected at one end to piston 1226 which issituated within cylinder 1206 in a conventional manner. Spring 1228 isalso disposed within cylinder 1206 to urge piston 1226 upwardly asviewed in FIG. 28.

[0117] In operation, as plunger 1204 is moved to the left by engagementwith fascia 47 against the biasing force of spring 1217, piston 1220forces hydraulic fluid 1230 (or other suitable fluid or gas) throughopening 1222, hose 1208, opening 1224, and into cylinder 1206. Thismovement of fluid 1230 forces piston 1226 downwardly against the biasingforce of spring 1228. Accordingly, rod 1210 draws latch 712 downwardlyinto the latched position as described above. It should be noted thatspring 1228 may be optional since return spring 764 draws rod 1210 andpiston 1226 upwardly when the room 32 is moved from the retractedposition. This upward movement forces fluid 1230 from cylinder 1206 intocylinder 1202 which, along with the biasing force of spring 1217, forcespiston 1220 and plunger 1204 to the right (in the direction of movementof room 32). It should be understood that this is a closed system suchthat movement of one of plunger 1204 or rod 1210 causes correspondingmovement of the other of plunger 1204 or rod 1210.

[0118]FIG. 29 shows another actuator 1300 according to the presentinvention. Actuator 1300 includes a bi-directional pump 1332 having apair of lines 1334, 1336 which are connected to openings 1338, 1340,respectively, on cylinder 1306. Pump 1332 is connected by wires 1342 toa switch 1344 mounted on a portion of edge channel 201 facing roomfascia 47. As should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art,rod 1310 is connected to a piston (not shown) which divides the interiorspace of cylinder 1306 into an upper chamber and a lower chamber.Opening 1338 is in communication with the upper chamber, and opening1340 is in communication with the lower chamber. Rod 1310 is connectedto latch 712, for example, by eyelet 1312.

[0119] In operation, when room 32 is moved into the retracted position,fascia 47 contacts switch 1344. When this occurs, right angle pin 765 isdisposed within opening 735 and slot 739. When fascia 47 contacts switch1344, pump 1332 is commanded to pump fluid through line 1334, opening1338, and into the upper chamber of cylinder 1306. Fluid in the lowerchamber is expelled through opening 1340 and line 1336 into a reservoir(not shown) in communication with pump 1332. Accordingly, rod 1310 isforced downwardly and latch 712 engages right angle pin 765 to draw room32 against vehicle side wall 12 as described above.

[0120] Pump 1332 may also be connected to the electronic switch used toactuate the drive mechanism for moving the room between the extended andretracted positions. Accordingly, when the drive switch is actuated toextend room 32, a signal is sent to pump 1332 to pump fluid through line1336 and opening 1340 into the lower chamber of cylinder 1206. Fluid isexpelled through opening 1338 and line 1334 to the pump reservoir (notshown). Accordingly, rod 1310 moves upwardly such that latch 712releases right angle pin 765, thereby permitting room 32 to be movedfrom the retracted position.

[0121] It should be understood that a single action cylinder may be usedfor cylinder 1306 such that line 1336 and opening 1340 are eliminatedand a return spring is disposed within the lower chamber of cylinder1306.

[0122]FIG. 30 shows another embodiment of an actuator according to thepresent invention. Actuator 1400 is shown in use with a latch 712 andbracket 718 combination. It should be understood, however, that actuator1400 may be used with any of the latching mechanisms described above.Actuator 1400 includes a bi-directional motor 1446 fixedly mountedwithin edge channel 201 and connected by wires 1442 to switch 1444 andwires 1443 to a switch (not shown) within vehicle 10 for actuating thedrive mechanism to move room 32 between the extended and retractedpositions. Motor 1446 rotates nut 1448 about its central, vertical axiswhen both switch 1444 and the drive mechanism switch (not shown) areactuated. A threaded bolt 1450 is attached at weld 1452 or otherwiseattached to a lower portion of latch 712.

[0123] In operation, when the operator actuates the drive mechanismswitch to move room 32 to the retracted position, room 32 moves inwardlyand fascia 47 of room 32 engages switch 1444. Since both switches arethen actuated, motor 1446 rotates nut 1448. Bolt 1450 is thereby drawndownwardly into the internal threaded opening of nut 1448. Accordingly,latch 712 engages right angle pin 765 in the manner described above.When the drive mechanism switch (not shown) is actuated to extend room32, a signal is sent to motor 1446 to rotate nut 1448 in the oppositedirection since switch 1444 is still activated by fascia 47, therebymoving latch 712 upwardly to release right angle pin 765. Room 32 isthen moved from the retracted position. Motor 1446 stops when fascia 47moves out of engagement with switch 1444.

[0124]FIG. 31 shows another motorized actuator 1500 which is similar toactuator 1400 shown in FIG. 30. Actuator 1500 incorporates an additionalmotor 1554 which is connected for simultaneous operation with motor 1546by shaft 1556. Accordingly, both motors 1546, 1554 simultaneously rotatenut 1548, thereby providing additional power with which to pull latch712 downwardly. It should be understood that although each of motors1546, 1554 may operate at somewhat different speeds if operatedindependently, interconnecting shaft 1556 forces both motors 1546, 1554to operate at the same speed.

[0125] Referring now to FIGS. 32-36, another embodiment of a latchingmechanism according to the present invention for operation adjacentupper edge 30A of opening 30 of side wall 12 is shown. FIG. 32 showslatching mechanism 1600 which latches onto a right angle bracket or raindam 1018 attached to ceiling 40 of slide out room 32 as is furtherdescribed below. Latching mechanism 1600 includes a mounting bracket1602, a spring 1604, a latch 1606, a handle 1608, a support 1610 (onlyone shown) and an axle 1612. Mounting bracket 1602 includes a pair ofparallel side walls 1614, 1616 connected together by perpendicular web1618. Each side wall 1614, 1616 includes a plurality of openings 1620for receiving fasteners (not shown) used to connect mounting bracket1602 to upper edge 30A of opening 30 formed in side wall 12 (FIG. 33).

[0126] Spring 1604 includes a pair of mounting tabs 1622, 1624 formounting such as by welding to web 1618. Spring 1604 further includesfirst and second side walls 1626, 1628 which extend downwardly,perpendicular to their respective tabs 1622, 1624. A curved portion ofspring 1604 extends between side walls 1626, 1628 to form a first detent1630 adjacent side wall 1626 and a second, deeper detent 1632 adjacentside wall 1628.

[0127] Latch 1606 includes a curved body 1634 having a substantiallyC-shaped cross-section, and a projection 1636 (FIGS. 35 and 36) disposedat each end of body 1634 for receiving axle 1612. A flexible seal 1638is attached along the upper edge 1640 of latch 1606.

[0128] Handle 1608 includes a cam 1642 having an opening 1644 forreceiving axle 1612, a first extension 1646 extending from cam 1642, asecond extension 1648 extending at a right angle from extension 1646substantially parallel to axle 1612, a third extension 1650 extending ata right angle from second extension 1648 substantially parallel to firstextension 1646, and a fourth extension 1652 extending at a right anglefrom third extension 1650 substantially parallel to second extension1648. Handle 1608 rotates about axle 1612 with rotation of latch 1606.

[0129] Axle 1612 extends between a pair of supports 1610 (one shown).Each support 1610 includes a mounting plate 1654 having an opening 1656for receiving a standard fastener to connect support 1610 to web 1618,and a downwardly extending support portion 1658 having an opening 1660for receiving and supporting axle 1612.

[0130] Referring now to FIG. 33, latching mechanism 1600 may be mountedin an upper corner portion of opening 30. Accordingly, when room 32 isin the retracted position as shown in FIG. 33, handle 1608 is in anupward position indicating that latching mechanism 1600 is in thelatched position. As will be further described below, extension 1652 maybe urged toward vehicle side wall 12 to disengage latching mechanism1600 so that room 32 may be moved to the extended position. When room 32is in the extended position as shown in FIG. 34, the shape of handle1608 permits the handle to remain recessed within gap 31 and underfascia 47 with only fourth extension 1652 visible.

[0131] It should be understood that extensions 1648, 1650, and 1652could readily be removed such that handle 1608 is entirely concealedwhen room 32 is in the extended position. It is only necessary thatfirst extension 1646 extends from within gap 31 when room 32 is in theretracted position as shown in FIG. 33.

[0132] Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, rain dam 1018 has a firstportion 1046 and a second, perpendicular portion 1048. In operation, asroom 32 is moved toward the retracted position (to the left as shown inthe figures), rain dam 1018 approaches latch 1606. Eventually, portion1048 of rain dam 1018 engages edge 1662 of latch 1606. As room 32 isfurther retracted, rain dam 1018 forces latch 1606 to rotate in aclockwise direction about axle 1612. As latch 1606 rotates, handle 1608also rotates about axle 1612. Cam 1642 of handle 1608 is relativelyeasily moved out of detent 1630. As room 32 is retracted and cam 1642begins to move into detent 1632, latch 1606 is urged to rotate furtherin the clockwise direction by the spring force of spring 1604.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 36, latch 1606 pivots over portion 1048 ofrain dam 1018 such that seal 1638 engages portion 1048 and is compressedagainst portion 1048 as latching mechanism 1600 draws fascia 47 intoengagement with the perimeter of opening 30, thereby compressing seal50.

[0133] Since detent 1632 is deeper than detent 1630, a greater force isrequired to cause cam 1642 to move in a counter-clockwise direction fromdetent 1632 to detent 1630 than is required to cause cam 1642 to move ina clockwise direction from detent 1630 to detent 1632. Accordingly, agreater force is required to move latching mechanism 1600 from thelatched position as shown in FIG. 36 to the unlatched position as shownin FIG. 35. This force may be provided by an operator manually bypressing extension 1652 toward vehicle side wall 12. This causes handle1608 to pivot about axle 1612 such that cam 1642 moves into detent 1630,thereby releasing room 32 to be moved out of the retracted position.

[0134] As should be understood from the foregoing, an automatic versionof latching mechanism 1600 may be provided by merely eliminatingextensions 1646, 1648, 1650 and 1652 and sizing cam 1642 relative todetents 1630, 1632 such that the inward moving force of rain dam 1018causes latch 1606 to move into the latched position of FIG. 36, and theoutward force of moving room 32 out of the retracted position issufficient to disengage cam 1642 such that it pivots into detent 1630.The greater force required to automatically unlatch latch 1606 by movingcam 1642 from detent 1632 to detent 1630 is inherently provided by theconfiguration of typical slide out rooms 32 and the manner in which thedrive mechanisms are connected thereto. Specifically, referring to FIG.3, as support tubes 44, 46 are extended, the lower portion of room 32 ismoved outwardly which tends to urge the inner edge of room floor 35downwardly, against vehicle floor 20. A relatively large outward forcemay then be applied to the lower portion of room 32 since the engagementbetween the room and vehicle floors will maintain room 32 in asubstantially horizontal orientation. Thus, a relatively large outwardforce is translated to the upper portion of room 32 to disengage latch1606. When room 32 is retracted, the amount of force which may beapplied to room 32 at the end of its inward travel (and therefore theamount of force translated to the top of room 32 to latch 1606) islimited. When room 32 reaches its retracted position, additional inwardpulling of the lower portion of room 32 by support tubes 44, 46 tends tocause room 32 to pivot about the outer edge of vehicle floor 20. Thus,this additional inward force is not translated to the upper portion ofroom 32.

[0135] FIGS. 37-40 show another latching mechanism 1700 according to theteachings of the present invention. Latching mechanism 1700 generallyincludes a container 1702 mounted to side wall 38 of room 32, and arelease lever 1704 for disengaging a latch 1706 as further describedbelow. It should be understood that a pair of latching mechanisms 1700could be used, one mounted to side wall 36 and one mounted to side wall38. It should be further understood that latching mechanisms 1700 couldreadily be rotated ninety degrees and either mounted to the top ofceiling 40 or built into ceiling 40 such that latch 1706 protrudesthrough gap 31 to clamp the vertical edges of vehicle side wall opening30. Latching mechanism 1700 is shown in FIG. 37 in an engaged positionwith latch 1706 engaging the interior surface of vehicle side wall 12.FIG. 38 shows latching mechanism 1700 in a disengaged position as room32 is moved toward the extended position. The edge of container 1702opposite fascia 47 is tapered such that container 1702 moves throughwiper seal 51 without damaging the seal.

[0136]FIG. 39 is a sectional view of latching mechanism 1700 takensubstantially along line 39-39 of FIG. 37. Container 1702 includes aninner wall 1708, a lower wall 1710, and a side wall 1709 (shown in FIGS.37 and 38, removed in FIGS. 39 and 40). Lower wall 1708 defines a slot1712 through which lever 1704 extends. Lever 1704 includes an opening1714 adjacent end 1716, a cam 1718, an opening 1720 adjacent end 1723,and a handle portion 1722 adjacent end 1724. A rod 1726 is fixedlymounted within container 1702 and extends through opening 1714 such thatlever 1704 may pivot about rod 1726.

[0137] Latching mechanism 1700 further includes a return spring 1728having a first end 1730 which extends through an opening 1732 formed ina support tab 1734 fixedly mounted to inner wall 1708, and a second end1736 which extends through opening 1720 of lever 1704. Accordingly,spring 1728 biases lever 1704 upwardly for clockwise rotation about rod1726.

[0138] Latch 1706 generally includes a body 1738, a first finger 1740,and a second finger 1742. Body 1738 defines an opening 1744 throughwhich extends a pivot post 1746 fixedly mounted within container 1702. Aspring 1748 is mounted between latch 1706 and container 1702 such thatspring 1748 biases latch 1706 for rotation in a clockwise directionabout post 1746. Body 1738 further defines a first detent 1750 formedadjacent first finger 1740 and a second detent 1752 formed adjacentsecond finger 1742. Second detent 1752 includes a locking surface 1754for cooperating with cam 1718 to retain latch 1706 in the latchedposition shown in FIG. 39.

[0139] In operation, an operator moves handle portion 1722 toward backwall 34 to withdraw cam 1718 from second detent 1752. Room 32 is thenmoved outwardly from the retracted position using a conventional drivemechanism. As room 32 moves outwardly, interference between first finger1740 and the inner surface of edge channel 201 causes latch 1706 topivot in a counter-clockwise direction about post 1746. When room 32moves sufficiently outwardly such that cam 1718 clears locking surface1754, the operator may release lever 1704. As room 32 continues to moveoutwardly, cam 1718 rides along the edge of latch 1706 as latch 1706rotates in a counter-clockwise direction against the biasing force ofspring 1748. Cam 1718 eventually enters detent 1750 and retains latch1706 in the position of FIG. 40 such that finger 1740 clears edgechannel 201 and wiper 51 during further outward extension of room 32.

[0140] Referring now to FIG. 40, the upward biasing force provided byspring 1728 urges cam 1718 into engagement with detent 1750, therebypreventing clockwise rotation of latch 1706 despite the presence of aclockwise biasing force provided by spring 1748. When room 32 is movedtoward the retracted position, second finger 1742 engages the outersurface of edge channel 201. Even a relatively small amount of inwardforce applied to room 32 will cause counter-clockwise rotation of latch1706 because of the shallowness of detent 1750 and the biasing force ofspring 1748. As latch 1706 rotates in a clockwise direction, finger 1740engages the inner surface of edge channel 201 and draws room 32 inwardlysuch that fascia 47 engages the perimeter of opening 30 formed by sidewall 12, thereby compressing seal 50. Also during this rotation, cam1718 rides along the outer edge of latch 1706 and snaps into detent 1752under the biasing force of spring 1728 when latch 1706 rotates into itslatched position shown in FIG. 39.

[0141]FIGS. 41 and 42 show another embodiment of a latching mechanismaccording to the present invention. Latching mechanism 1800 includes apair of lower wedges 1802 (one shown) each having a mounting surface1804, a back surface 1806, a camming surface 1808, and a pair of sidesurfaces 1803, 1805. As shown, each lower wedge 1802 is mounted to thebottom surface of room floor 35 adjacent one of side walls 36, 38.

[0142] Latching mechanism 1800 further includes a pair of upper wedges1810, each including a mounting surface 1812, an inner surface 1814, apair of side surfaces 1816, 1818, a top surface 1820, and a cammingsurface 1822. Mounting surface 1812 is attached in a conventional mannerto the upper surface of room ceiling 40. It should be understood that asingle upper wedge 1810, or more than two upper wedges 1810, may be usedto accomplish the function of the present invention. Moreover, the widthbetween surfaces 1816, 1818 of each of wedges 1810 and the width betweenside surfaces 1803, 1805 of each of wedges 1802 may vary from arelatively small fraction of the total width between room side walls 36,38 to approximately the entire width of room 32.

[0143] Latching mechanism 1800 further includes a modified edge channel1801 along upper edge 30A of opening 30. Edge channel 1801 includes alower edge 1824, and a camming edge 1826. It should be understood thatramp 1840 along the lower edge of opening 30 may be a standard ramp.

[0144] In operation, as slide out room 32 is moved toward the retractedposition, camming surfaces 1808 of lower wedges 1802 engage ramp 1840,thereby causing the outer portion of room 32 to lift upwardly. Upperwedges 1810 are positioned such that when lower wedges 1802 begin tocause upward movement, upper surfaces 1820 of upper wedges 1810 havecleared lower edge 1824 of modified edge channel 1801. Accordingly,camming surfaces 1822 engage camming surface 1826, thereby drawingfascia 47 into engagement with the outer surface of vehicle side wall 12with further upward lifting of room 32 by lower wedges 1802 into theposition shown in FIG. 42. Accordingly, seal 50 is compressed betweenfascia 47 and side wall 12.

[0145]FIGS. 43 and 44 show an alternate latching mechanism 1900.Latching mechanism 1900 includes a modified edge channel 1901 which isthe same as edge channel 1801 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42. Latchingmechanism 1900 further includes an angled rain dam 1910. Rain dam 1910includes a mounting flange 1912 which is mounted to room ceiling 40 in aconventional manner, and an angled flange 1914 extending from mountingflange 1912. Angled flange 1914 includes an upper edge 1920 and acamming surface 1922. It should be understood that rain dam 1910 mayextend substantially the entire width of room 32, but two short segmentsof rain dam material (or multiple segments) each mounted adjacent a sidewall 36, 38, would nonetheless accomplish the function of the presentinvention of drawing the upper edge of room 32 into engagement withvehicle side wall 12.

[0146] Latching mechanism 1900 substitutes lower wedges 1802 of FIGS. 41and 42 with roller assemblies 1928 (one shown). Roller assembly 1928includes a mount 1930 which is attached to a lower surface of room floor35 in a conventional manner, an axle 1932, and a pair of rollers 1934supported by axle 1932. Alternatively, a single roller could be used ifmount 1930 were modified to support axle 1932 at its ends with thesingle roller disposed between the two support locations. Thisembodiment of the invention is shown used in conjunction with a ramp1936 which extends along substantially the entire length of the loweredge of side wall opening 30. Ramp 1936 includes a shelf surface 1938and a ramp surface 1940.

[0147] Referring now to FIG. 44, in operation, as room 32 is movedtoward the retracted position, rollers 1934 roll along shelf surface1938, and up ramp surface 1940. When rollers 1934 begin moving up rampsurface 1940, edge 1920 of rain dam 1910 will have been sufficientlyretracted within vehicle 10 to have cleared lower edge 1924 of modifiededge channel 1901. Accordingly, as rollers 1934 move upwardly on rampsurface 1940, camming surface 1922 of rain dam 1910 engages cammingsurface 1926 of modified edge channel 1901 to draw fascia 47 intosealing engagement with the perimeter of vehicle opening 30 as describedabove.

[0148]FIGS. 45 and 46 show an alternate embodiment of a latchingmechanism according to the present invention. Latching mechanism 2000includes a standard ramp 2036 and roller assemblies 2028 which aresubstantially identical to ramp 1936 and roller assemblies 1928 shown inFIGS. 43 and 44. Latching mechanism 2000 further includes rain dam 2010which has a mounting flange 2012 and an angled flange 2014. Mountingflange 2012 is mounted to ceiling 40 of room 32 in a conventionalmanner. Angled flange 2014 includes an upper edge 2020 and a cammingsurface 2022.

[0149] Latching mechanism 2000 further includes modified edge channel2001 which includes conventional forward and rearward walls 2042, 2044,respectively, a lower wall 2046 interconnecting forward wall 2042 andrearward wall 2044, a rib 2048 which extends downwardly into gap 31 fromlower wall 2046, and wiper seal 51 which is attached in a conventionalmanner to rib 2048. Modified edge channel 2001 further includes adownwardly projecting lip 2052 for cooperating with camming surface 2022as is further described below.

[0150] Referring now to FIG. 46, as room 32 is moved toward theretracted position, rollers 2034 roll along shelf surface 2038 and upramp 2040. When rollers 2034 begin moving up ramp surface 2040, upperedge 2020 of rain dam 2010 will have cleared lip 2052 of modified edgechannel 2001. As rollers 2034 move upwardly on ramping surface 2040,camming surface 2022 of angled flange 2014 cams against the innersurface of lip 2052, thereby drawing fascia 47 into sealing engagementwith the perimeter of opening 30 of vehicle side wall 12. As can be seenin the drawings, latching assembly 2000 does not interfere with the useof conventional wiper seal 51.

[0151]FIGS. 47 and 48 show another embodiment of a latching mechanismaccording to the present invention. Latching mechanism 2100 includesroller assemblies 2128, and ramp 2136 which are similar to rollerassemblies 2028 and ramp 2036 of FIGS. 45 and 46. Roller assemblies2128, however, include a pair of mounts 2130 with a single roller 2134and an axle 2132. Modified edge channel 2101 is substantially similar tomodified edge channel 2001 except that lip 2052 of modified edge channel2001 is not present on modified edge channel 2101. Latching mechanism2100 further includes upper roller assemblies 2154 (one shown). Eachroller assembly 2154 includes a pair of mounts 2156 attached in aconventional manner to ceiling 40 of room 32 adjacent one of side walls36, 38. Like roller assemblies 2128, each roller assembly 2154 furtherincludes a roller 2158 supported by an axle 2160 which extends throughroller 2158 and mounts 2156.

[0152] As room 32 is moved toward the retracted position, rollerassemblies 2128 roll along shelf surface 2138 of ramp 2136 and up rampsurface 2140. Rollers 2156 roll under wiper seal 51. As rollers 2134roll up ramp surface 2140, rollers 2158 are lifted upwardly intoengagement with modified edge channel 2101. As rollers 2134 move furtherupwardly, rollers 2158 draw fascia 47 of room 32 into sealing engagementwith the perimeter of opening 30 of vehicle side wall 12.

[0153]FIGS. 49, 50, 51A and 51B show yet another latching mechanismaccording to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 49, latchingmechanism 2200 generally includes an upper edge channel 2202 mountedalong the upper edge of opening 30, and a pair of similarly shaped sideedge channels 2204, 2206 mounted along the side edges of side wallopening 30. A support 2208 is connected to edge channel 2202, and ismovable toward and away from room 32 as is further described below.Similarly, supports 2210, 2212 are attached to edge channels 2204, 2206,respectively, and are movable toward and away from room 32. Support 2208supports a wiper seal 2214 which maintains contact with ceiling 40 ofroom 32 during movement of the room between the extended and retractedpositions. Supports 2210, 2212 include similar seals 2216, 2218,respectively. All of the seals perform a standard wiper seal function. Apump 2220 is connected through plumbing 2222 to an expandable member ormembers which are used to drive supports 2208, 2210, 2212 toward room 32as is further described below.

[0154] Referring now to FIG. 50, it should be understood that the basicstructure of edge channels 2202, 2204, 2206, supports 2208, 2210, 2212,and seals 2214, 2216, 2218, is substantially identical. Accordingly,only the components associated with edge channel 2204 will be describedherein. Edge channel 2204 has a substantially “H” shaped cross-sectionincluding a pair of parallel walls 2224, 2226 and a web 2228 extendingbetween walls 2224, 2226. Channel 2204 receives wall 12 in channel 2230formed between walls 2224, 2226, and web 2228. Walls 2224, 2226 areattached to vehicle side wall 12 in a standard fashion using fasteners(not shown).

[0155] Support 2210 includes a pair of side walls 2232, 2234, an endwall 2236 extending between side walls 2232, 2234, and a rib 2238 whichextends perpendicularly from end wall 2236 as shown in FIG. 50. Thedistance between the inner surfaces of side walls 2232, 2234 is slightlygreater than the distance between the outer surfaces of edge channelside walls 2224, 2226. Support side walls 2232, 2234 each include aplurality of slots 2240 which are elongated in a direction perpendicularto end wall 2236. A stud 2242 extends through each slot and is securedto one of edge channel side walls 2224, 2226. Each stud 2242 includes ahead 2244 with a diameter larger than the distance across the width ofslot 2240, and a post 2246 (FIGS. 51A and 51B) attached to edge channel2204. As should be apparent from the figures, studs 2242 retain support2210 on edge channel 2204. Slots 2240 permit movement of support 2210toward and away from room 32 in the direction of the axis of elongationof slots 2240.

[0156] Wiper 2216 is formed of a resilient, flexible material andincludes a body 2246 which forms a groove 2248 for receiving rib 2238.Wiper 2216 further includes a tube portion 2250 which defines aninterior space 2252. Wiper 2216 is retained on rib 2238 by barbs 2254,2256 (FIGS. 51A and 51B) which engage groove 2248. Finally, latchingmechanism 2200 includes an expandable member 2258 disposed within thespace bounded by edge channel side walls 2224, 2226, web 2228, supportside walls 2232, 2234, and end wall 2236. Expandable member 2258 definesan interior space 2260 for receiving a suitable fluid or gas to causeexpandable member 2258 to expand. Expandable member 2258 may consist ofa single elongated member extending substantially the entire length ofsupports 2208, 2210, and 2212. Alternatively, expandable member 2258 mayinclude multiple segments, each connected to pump 2220 by plumbing 2222for simultaneous expansion and deflation.

[0157] Referring now to FIGS. 51A and 51B, as room 32 is moved towardthe retracted position, tube 2250 of wiper 2216 maintains contact withside wall 38 of room 32 to perform a standard wiper seal function. Whenfascia 47 becomes sufficiently close to vehicle side wall 12, a positionsensor, contact switch, proximity switch, or other suitable switchingmechanism (not shown) activates pump 2220. Pump 2220 pumps anappropriate fluid or gas through plumbing 2222 into interior space 2260of expandable member 2258. As expandable member 2258 expands, expandablemember 2258 forces support 2210 away from web 2228 toward room 32.Support side walls 2232, 2234 slide outwardly relative to edge channelside walls 2226, 2224, guided by studs 2242 which travel within slots2240. When expandable member 2258 is sufficiently inflated to within apredetermined pressure range, tube 2250 of seal 2216 is compressedagainst side wall 38 of room 32, thereby retaining room 32 in theretracted position as shown in FIG. 51 B.

[0158] When room 32 is to be moved from the retracted position,actuation of the drive mechanism for moving room 32 also actuates pump2220 which deflates expandable member 2258. The resilience of tube 2250of seal 2216 urges support 2210 from the position shown in FIG. 51B tothe position shown in FIG. 51A. As room 32 is further moved from theretracted position, seal 2216 maintains contact with side wall 38 ofroom 32 to perform a wiper seal function.

[0159] Referring now to FIGS. 52 and 53, yet another embodiment of alatching mechanism according to the present invention is shown. Latchingmechanism 2300 generally includes edge channel 2304, support 2310, wiper2316, and expandable member 2358. Like edge channel 2204 of FIGS. 51Aand 51B, edge channel 2304 includes parallel walls 2324, 2326 forattachment to vehicle side wall 12, and a web 2328 interconnecting walls2324, 2326. Wall 2326 extends from web 2328 toward room 32 to form ahooked wall 2362. An arcuate wall 2364 extends from web 2328 and isconnected to wall 2326 by a second web 2366.

[0160] Support 2310 includes an arcuate side wall 2332 connected to anend wall 2336 from which extends a hooked wall 2334 that is interlockedwith hooked wall 2362. rib 2338 extends from end wall 2336. Wiper 2316is identical to wiper 2216 and interconnects with rib 2338 in the mannerdescribed above. Arcuate side wall 2332 includes a plurality of slots2340 similar to slots 2240 described above. Likewise, a plurality ofstuds 2342 extend through slots 2340 to guide movement of support 2310in a manner similar to that described above with reference with studs2242. Studs 2342 include heads 2344 and posts 2345 which extend throughslots 2340 and are connected to arcuate wall 2364. Finally, latchingmechanism 2300 includes expandable member 2358 which defines an interiorspace 2360. Expandable member 2358 is situated within the space definedby second web 2366, arcuate wall 2364, arcuate side wall 2332, end wall2336, and hooked wall 2334.

[0161] As should be apparent from the figures, as room 32 is movedtoward the retracted position, wiper seal 2316 lightly engages side wall38 of room 32 to perform a standard wiper seal function. When fascia 47becomes sufficiently close to vehicle side wall 12, a proximity sensor,contact switch, or other suitable switch (not shown) actuates a pumpsimilar to pump 2220 of FIG. 49 which pumps a suitable fluid or gas intospace 2360 of expandable member 2358. As expandable member 2358 expands,support 2310 pivots about the interconnection between hooked wall 2334and hooked wall 2362. As explained above, support 2310 is guided throughthis motion by studs 2342 and slots 2340. As support 2310 pivots towardroom 32, wiper 2316 is compressed against side wall 38 to hold room 32in the retracted position. It should be understood that the arcuatemotion of support 2310 applies an inward pulling force to room 32 suchthat wiper 2316 grips room 32 and draws it inwardly so that fascia 47sealingly engages the perimeter of opening 30 formed by vehicle sidewall 12, compressing seal 50.

[0162]FIGS. 54 and 55 show yet another embodiment of a latchingmechanism according to the present invention. Latching mechanism 2500 isshown having a modified edge channel 2501 which includes a pair of sidewalls 2556, 2558 connected together by an end wall 2560. A second endwall 2590 extends from side wall 2556 and carries central wall 2562which supports wiper seal 51. A support wall 2535 extends between secondend wall 2590 and end wall 2560 as shown.

[0163] A bladder 2597 is positioned within a latching member 2507 havingfive walls including first wall 2593, second wall 2599, third wall 2503,fourth wall 2505, and fifth wall 2595. First wall 2593 and fifth wall2595 are profiled to move between support wall 2535 and side wall 2558.Fascia 47 includes a bracket 2519 having a first mounting wall 2521 anda second mounting wall 2531. Bracket 2519 further includes a body 2523between first wall 2521 and second mounting wall 2531 which is formed todefine a recess having a first angled surface 2525, a second angledsurface 2529, and a flat surface 2527 extending between the angledsurfaces.

[0164] Expandable member 2597 is attached to wall 2503 of the latchingmember 2407 and end wall 2560 of edge channel 2501. As room 32 is movedtoward the retracted position, expandable member 2597 is filled withair, oil, or other suitable substance such that latching member 2507 isextended to cam into the recess formed by bracket 2519 as indicated inFIG. 55. It should be understood that the travel of latching member 2507may be limited in a variety of ways such as by expandable member 2597,studs extending from walls 2593, 2595 into slots formed in edge channelwalls 2535, 2558, respectively, or other such structure. It shouldfurther be understood that latching member 2507 may be moved to theretracted position shown in FIG. 54 during movement of room 32 bysuction, a magnet mounted to latching mechanism 2507 and attracted to aplate mounted to edge channel 2501, or a spring extending betweenlatching member 2507 and edge channel 2501.

[0165] FIGS. 56-60 show yet another embodiment of a latching mechanismaccording to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 56, latchingmechanism 2600 generally includes a housing 2602 built into side wall 36of room 32 as part of the tubular framework (portions shown in dottedlines) of room 32. It should be understood that an identical latchingmechanism may be built into side wall 38. For simplicity, only onelatching mechanism 2600 is described herein. Housing 2602 includes alatch box 2604 situated approximately midway between floor 35 andceiling 40 of room 32, and an actuator box 2608 disposed adjacent floor35 of room 32. A protrusion 2610 extends from latch box 2604 to fitwithin the interior dimensions of the adjacent tubular frame member,thereby connecting housing 2602 to that framework. Similarly, aprotrusion 2612 extends from actuator box 2608 to connect to theadjacent lower tubular frame member. Latch box 2604 further includes aslot 2614 through which extends a latch 2616 for drawing room 32 againstvehicle side wall 12 as further described below. Also extending fromlatch box 2604 through opening 2609 (FIGS. 59 and 60) is a release lever2618, the connection and operation of which will also be furtherdescribed below.

[0166] A post 2620 extends from actuator box 2608 and carries actuatorlever 2622 which pivots in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 56when actuator lever engages a portion of vehicle side wall 12 belowopening 30, as will be further described below.

[0167] Referring now to FIG. 57 wherein housing 2602, latch box 2604,and protrusion 2618 are shown in dashed lines, and FIG. 58 wherein sidewall 2624 of housing 2602, latch box 2604, and actuator box 2608, isshown removed, latching mechanism 2600 further includes a pulley 2626mounted for rotation on a rod 2628 which extends between side wall 2624and side wall 2630 of latch box 2604. A pair of return springs 2632extend between latch 2616 and a rod 2634 connected to top wall 2636 andbottom wall 2638 of latch box 2604. Additionally, a cylinder 2640 ismounted to bottom wall 2638 of latch box 2604, and includes a spring2642 which biases a detent ball 2644 upwardly against a retainingshoulder (not shown) which prevents ball 2644 from exiting cylinder2640. A pivot pin 2646 also extends from bottom wall 2638 of latch box2604, and a pivot pin 2648 extends between bottom wall 2638 and top wall2636 of latch box 2604.

[0168] Latch 2616 includes a substantially flat plate 2650 having afirst side 2652, a second side 2654, a first end 2656, and a second end2658. A wedge 2660 extends from second side 2654 of plate 2650 andincludes a camming surface 2662. A rod 2664 is attached to second side2654 of plate 2650. Return springs 2632 are connected to rod 2664. End2658 of plate 2650 is fixedly connected to a ratchet 2666. Ratchet 2666includes a central opening 2668 for receiving pivot pin 2648, an uppercylinder 2670, a lower cylinder 2672, and a plurality of ratchet teeth2674. Each of teeth 2674 includes a camming surface 2676 and a stopsurface 2678.

[0169] Release lever 2618 includes an elongated body 2680 from whichextends a protrusion 2682 having an opening 2684 for receiving pivot pin2646. A finger 2686 extends from body 2680 and engages teeth 2674 aswill be further described below. Both protrusion 2682 and finger 2686extend from surface 2688 of body 2680. Body 2680 also includes surface2690 which engages ball 2644.

[0170] As best shown in FIG. 58, latching mechanism 2600 furtherincludes a second pulley 2692 which is connected for rotation about rod2694. Rod 2694 extends between side wall 2624 and side wall 2630 ofhousing 2602. A third pulley 2696 is mounted for rotation on rod 2620which also extends between side walls 2624, 2630. Actuator 2622 isfixedly connected to pulley 2696 such that movement of actuator 2622causes rotation of pulley 2696. Actuator 2622 includes an engagementsurface 2698 and a hook 2601 which extends around rod 2620.

[0171] Finally, latching mechanism 2600 includes a link 2603 which maybe a cable or other suitable bendable member. Link 2603 extends throughan opening 2605 formed in latch 2616 and is retained by an end cap 2607(FIGS. 59 and 60). Link 2603 extends around pulley 2626, pulley 2692,and pulley 2696 where it is fixedly connected at an attachment point(not shown).

[0172] Referring now to FIG. 59, latching mechanism 2600 is shown in theunlatched position. As room 32 is moved toward the retracted position,camming surface 2698 of actuator 2622 engages side wall 12 and pivots ina counter-clockwise direction (as viewed in FIGS. 56 and 58) causingpulley 2696 to rotate about rod 2620. This rotation pulls link 2603around pulley 2692 and pulley 2626 such that latch 2616 and ratchet 2666rotate about pivot pin 2648. As latch 2616 and ratchet 2666 rotateclockwise as shown in FIGS. 59 and 60, finger 2686 of release lever 2618ratchets across camming surfaces 2676 of teeth 2674. During this time,surface 2690 engages ball 2644, thereby holding release lever 2618 inthe locked position. As actuator 2622 further rotates as a result of itsengagement with vehicle side wall 12, latch 2616 is pulled into theposition shown in FIG. 60. Accordingly, latch 2616 draws room 32 intovehicle 10 such that fascia 47 is in sealing engagement with theperimeter of opening 30 of side wall 12, compressing seal 50. Duringthis rotation, return springs 2632 are extended.

[0173] When room 32 is in the retracted position, finger 2686 of releaselever 2618 engages stop surface 2678 of one of teeth 2674 of ratchet2666. Accordingly, rotation in a counter-clockwise direction as viewedin FIGS. 59 and 60 of ratchet 2666 and latch 2616 is prevented. Suchcounter-clockwise rotation would otherwise occur if the drivingmechanism permitted outward movement of the bottom of room 32 sinceoutward movement of the bottom of room 32 would release actuator 2622,causing latch 2616 to loosen its engagement with vehicle side wall 12.

[0174] When room 32 is to be moved from the retracted position, theoperator pushes release lever 2618 toward back wall 34 of room 32 suchthat finger 2686 disengages stop surface 2678 of ratchet teeth 2674.Release lever body 2680 depresses ball 2644 into cylinder 2640 againstthe biasing force of spring 2642 until release lever 2618 assumes theposition shown in dotted lines in FIG. 60. By moving release lever fromengagement with teeth 2674, the operator permits springs 2632 to returnto their position shown in FIG. 59, thereby causing counter-clockwiserotation of ratchet 2666 and latch 2616 about pivot pin 2648.Accordingly, room 32 may be moved from the retracted position.Additionally, link 2603 is rewound around pulley 2696 which includes abiasing spring (not shown) biasing pulley 2696 to rotate in a clockwisedirection as viewed in FIG. 58.

[0175] Just before latch 2616 assumes the position shown in FIG. 59,camming surface 2662 of wedge 2660 engages body 2680 of release lever2618. As latch 2616 is drawn into its position shown in FIG. 59, cammingsurface 2662 forces release lever body 2680 over ball 2644 into theposition shown in FIG. 59.

[0176]FIGS. 61 and 62 show yet another embodiment of a latchingmechanism according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 61,latching mechanism 2700 generally includes a housing 2702 having anouter side 2704, an inner side 2706 connected to room side wall 36, anouter edge 2708, an inner edge 2710, an upper wall 2712, and an opened,lower end 2714. It should be understood that an identical housing 2702and other components, described below, are associated with room sidewall 38. For simplicity, only one is described herein. Sides 2704, 2706,and edge 2710 form a notch 2715 adjacent upper wall 2712. Latchingmechanism 2700 further includes a latch 2716 and an actuator 2718 aswill be further described below. Finally, latching mechanism 2700includes post assemblies 2720 and 2722. Post assembly 2720 includes afirst plate 2724, an integral second plate 2726 which extendsperpendicularly from plate 2724 to form a right angle, and a post 2728which extends from plate 2726 toward room side wall 36. Post assembly2720 is mounted to vehicle side wall 12 partially within opening 30 withfasteners 2730 which extend through plate 2724. Similarly, post assembly2722 includes a first plate 2732, a second plate 2734, a post 2736 whichextends from second plate 2734 toward room side wall 36, and fasteners2738 which attach post assembly 2722 to vehicle side wall 12.

[0177] Referring now to FIG. 62, latch 2716 is formed from asubstantially flat plate and includes an upper opening 2740, a loweropening 2742, and a notch 2744. Notch 2744 includes a stop surface 2746and a camming surface 2748. Latch 2716 is disposed within housing 2702such that notch 2744 is aligned with housing opening 2715 andsubstantially horizontally aligned with post 2728 of post assembly 2720.It should be noted that when latch 2716 is in the position shown in FIG.62, camming surface 2748 is horizontally above post 2728.

[0178] Actuator 2718 includes a pulley body 2750 having an outer,circumferential groove 2752 and a central opening 2754 for receiving apivot rod 2756 which extends between housing outer side 2704 and innerside 2706. Actuator 2718 further includes a notch 2758 defined by afirst camming surface 2760 and a second camming surface 2762. Actuator2718 is mounted for rotation on rod 2756 such that a portion of pulleybody 2750 extends below lower end 2714 of housing 2702. Camming surface2760 thus extends below lower end 2714 and is in substantial horizontalalignment with post 2736 of post assembly 2722.

[0179] Latching mechanism 2700 further includes upper pulleys 2764, 2766mounted for rotation about rods 2768, 2770, respectively. Rods 2768,2770 extend between housing outer side 2704 and inner side 2706.

[0180] A link 2772 interconnects latch 2716 and actuator 2718. Link 2772includes a first segment 2774 and a second segment 2776. First segment2774 is attached at one end 2778 to latch 2716 through opening 2742.First segment 2774 includes a stress relief assembly 2780 as is commonlyknown in the art. First segment 2774 extends into groove 2752 of pulleybody 2750, and is connected at end 2782 to actuator 2718 at an opening(not shown) formed adjacent camming surface 2762.

[0181] Second segment 2776 includes a first end 2784 which is connectedto latch 2716 at opening 2740, and a second end 2786 which is connectedto actuator 2718 at an opening (not shown) adjacent camming surface2760. As shown, second segment 2776 extends around pulley body 2750 ingroove 2752, and around pulleys 2764, 2766.

[0182] As should be apparent from the drawings, as room 32 is movedtoward the retracted position, post 2736 engages camming surface 2760causing clockwise rotation of actuator 2718 about post 2756. At thistime, post 2728 is situated within notch 2744 of latch 2716. As actuator2718 rotates, first segment 2774 of link 2772 pulls latch 2716downwardly such that camming surface 2748 engages post 2728, therebydrawing fascia 47 of room 32 into sealing engagement with the perimeterof opening 30 formed by vehicle side wall 12 to compress seal 50. Whenroom 32 is moved from the retracted position, camming surface 2762 ofactuator 2718 engages post 2736 causing counterclockwise rotation ofactuator 2718. Consequently, second segment 2776 of link 2772 is pulledaround pulleys 2764, 2766 and pulls latch 2716 upwardly, therebyreleasing post 2728 from camming surface 2748 of latch 2716 to permitoutward movement of room 32.

[0183]FIG. 63 shows an alternate embodiment of latching mechanism 2700shown in FIGS. 61 and 62. Latching mechanism 2800 is similar in manyrespects to latching 2700. Accordingly, the reference designations oflike components have been retained, but increased by 100. Latchingmechanism 2800 includes a latch 2816 and an actuator 2818 connectedtogether by a link 2872 in the manner described above with reference tolatching mechanism 2700. Unlike latching mechanism 2700, thesecomponents are mounted within a modified edge channel 2888. Edge channel2888 is modified to include a notch 2890 which is substantiallyequivalent to notch 2715 shown in FIGS. 61 and 62. Edge channel 2888further includes a second notch 2892 which is located in substantialhorizontal alignment with post 2836 of post assembly 2822 so that post2836 may engage actuator 2818 in the manner described above.

[0184] Post assemblies 2820 and 2822 are mounted to side wall 36 of room32 such that post 2828 of post assembly 2820 is aligned with notch 2890and latch 2816, and post 2836 of post assembly 2822 is aligned withnotch 2892 and actuator 2818. Post assembly 2820 includes a mountingplate 2824 which is connected to room side wall 36 by fasteners 2830.Similarly, mounting plate 2832 of post assembly 2822 is mounted to roomside wall 36 using fasteners 2838. The operation of latching mechanism2800 is substantially identical to the operation of latching mechanism2700 described above.

[0185] Although the present invention has been shown and described indetail, the same is to be taken by way of example only and not by way oflimitation. Numerous changes can be made to the embodiments describedabove without departing from the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A recreational vehicle having a main room and anexpandable room movable relative to said main room to provide additionalliving space to said main room, a sealing member positioned between themain room and the expandable room, and a mechanism to move the relativeposition of the sealing member and a sealing surface of the recreationalvehicle, to enhance the sealing between the expandable room and mainroom.